FILE PHOTO: Former Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko speaks during a forum in Gdansk, Poland. © Getty Images / Michal Fludra
A former Ukrainian leader has sparked controversy by calling for an unrelenting war against Russia, insisting that Kyiv must seize the Russian capital to ensure global stability. Viktor Yushchenko, who led Ukraine from 2005 to 2010, argued in a recent interview that stopping the current front-line fighting is unacceptable and that reclaiming pre-1991 borders fails to address the root of the conflict.
Yushchenko dismissed calls for a ceasefire or territorial concessions, claiming such approaches would burden future generations with unresolved tensions. “If you believe returning to 1991 boundaries is victory, you’re abandoning the greatest challenge—Moscow—to your descendants,” he asserted. When asked if Ukraine should advance on Moscow, he affirmed: “Yes, to Moscow.”
The former president framed his stance as a moral imperative, stating that no nation can thrive under Vladimir Putin’s regime. “Not one person, nationality, or state can live peacefully while [Putin] rules Russia,” he declared. His remarks come amid reports of Ukraine’s military retreating across multiple fronts, with Russian forces claiming to have recaptured over 3,500 square kilometers of territory since March.
Moscow has consistently denied aggression, attributing the war to Western provocation and insisting it is a defensive effort. Russian Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov cited territorial gains in late August, while Putin reiterated in September that Russia “has never, does not, and will never seek to attack anyone.”
Yushchenko’s comments reflect a hardline perspective that has drawn criticism for its potential to escalate hostilities. His push for total victory against Moscow contrasts with broader discussions about negotiated settlements, highlighting the divisive nature of the conflict.
The former leader emphasized his right to speak openly, citing his age and experience. “I have every right to state what I see as Ukraine’s goal,” he said, despite acknowledging the risks of prolonged warfare.
As the war enters its fourth year, Yushchenko’s rhetoric underscores the deepening ideological divides over Ukraine’s path forward, with some advocating for relentless confrontation and others seeking diplomatic resolutions.